Evaluation of off-leash dog parks in Texas and Florida: A study of use patterns, user satisfaction, and perception

Abstract

The growing importance of dogs in people's lives and in high-density urban environments has increased demand for a place where people and their dogs can interact and exercise together. The recent increase in the number of off-leash dog parks across the country is evidence of these demands of dog owners. Evaluation of four dog parks in Texas and Florida was conducted to investigate use patterns of dog parks and user activities, to identify user satisfaction and perception, and to provide insights in developing effective dog parks. The results indicated that dog parks received considerable use and served a variety of groups and users were generally satisfied with dog parks. Dog parks were identified as the most frequented locations regarding the provision of outdoor exercise and socialization for their dogs and proximity to a dog park was positively related to frequency of use and satisfaction. A substantial number of respondents perceived the benefits of a dog park for the dogs’ physical well-being and for building a sense of community by providing the opportunity to socialize with neighbors. These research findings and design guidelines will help expand the knowledge base regarding parks and guide the future planning, design, and evaluation of dog parks.